From September 2013 amendments to The Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 removes reference to family holidays and extended leave as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days.

The amendments make it clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence in term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Headteachers should determine the number of school days a child can be away from school if the leave is granted.

In order to ensure we meet our legal responsibilities, we must make every effort to make it clear to parents and carers that children and young people must attend school on a regular basis. Any time away from school can have a significant impact on educational attainment.

We must be able to evidence that we have done all we can to ensure the law is upheld. In law, parents and carers are committing an offence if they fail to ensure regular and punctual attendance at school. Therefore any unauthorised absence, such as taking holiday in term time, can result in a Fixed Term Penalty Notice. Failure to pay a Fixed Term Penalty Notice may result in a criminal conviction and a fine in the magistrates Court up to £1000.

Our school will therefore no longer be able to authorise absence from learning (Holiday Requests) during term time.